Louis Walsh to form One Direction rivals

X Factor judge Louis Walsh has announced plans to form a new boy band to rival One Direction.

Louis Walsh has announced plans to form a new boy band to rival One Direction, pictured. Picture: PA

The music manager confirmed he will hold auditions in Ireland next weekend for five male singers to become the next big act.

Walsh, who started the careers of Boyzone and Westlife, said he already has a record company and a high-profile partner ready to launch the group.

“It has been 12 years since I did auditions for a boy band. It’s boys over 16 from anywhere, any nationality, but they must be prepared to work hard. Vocals are key,” he said.

“I’m looking for five pop stars and I have a major record company and a high-profile UK partner.”

Walsh, who will return as a judge for the tenth series of The X Factor this year, is also managing former Westlife frontman Shane Filan, who has signed a solo record deal.

Westlife and Boyzone have topped the charts since the 1990s and sold millions of albums worldwide.